Green Magnet: Spotlight on NYC’s Union Square

For restaurateur Maneesh K. Goyal, Union Square epitomizes New York’s famously dynamic, youthful energy. The bustling neighborhood he’s called home since 2006 is an ideal confluence of creativity, culinary offerings, and playgrounds. The last of these has become “a very important part of the day” for Goyal and his husband, Andrew, now that they have a one-year-old son. Maneesh K. Goyal (PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEA) The neighborhood’s centerpiece—the three-block- ong stretch of greenery known as Union Square Park between East 14th and East 17th Streets—serves as a magnet, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and visitors who flock here to appreciate an equally diverse crowd of street performers, aspiring artists, artisanal farm stalls at the popular greenmarket, and—of course—activists. The park has been a hub for rallies for more than a century, and that’s part of its unique appeal, from Goyal’s perspective. “Anytime I want to blow off steam, I can just go and join a protest there, against almost anything,” he says with a laugh. —Catherine Bindman IN GOOD TASTE Surrounding Union Square Park is a tempting array of trendy eateries, including Goyal’s own contemporary Indian restaurant, SONA ( 36 E. 20th St., 212.203.6460 ), which opened last year. Ever since arriving in New York in 1999, Goyal (a partner in reviving the legendary Temple Bar on Lafayette Street) has been asked by friends to recommend Indian restaurants. Finally, “I decided to open the answer,” says the founder and CEO of Pineapple Co., the parent company for a number of businesses established in the past two decades. Goyal recommends Floyd’s Goan fish curry at SONA, named in honor of the late Floyd Cardoz, who “helped to put Indian fine dining on the New York map.” Andrew prefers the Punjabi grilled chicken and tandoori lamb chops. The spicy chili margarita is also “so delicious, with an actual bird’s-eye chili on the top.” SONA. (PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEA) Thanks to a childhood spent in Texas, Goyal takes his tacos “very seriously.” When a craving hits, he heads to Dorado Tacos & Quesadillas ( 28 E. 12 th St., 212.627.0900 ) for the Original Baja Fish Tacos. He is also a “forever fan” of the plant-based abcV restaurant ( 38 E.19th St., 212.475.5829 ), where the cheddar and egg dosa is a must-try. abcV’s avocado tartine FRESH FARE No self-respecting neighborhood resident misses the Union Square Greenmarket , held year-round on the north and west sides of Union Square Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In peak season, you’ll find nearly 150 farmers, fish purveyors, florists, and bakers selling fruit, veggies, freshly baked bread, homemade jam, pickles, small batch wine and cider, and much more. “When you live in the neighborhood, you get to know the purveyors,” Goyal says. SHOP STOPS Among his favorite local stops is Union Square Wines & Spirits ( 140 4th Ave., 212.657.8100 ), in business since 1995. “When you walk in, they are so knowledgeable and helpful, whatever your budget.” Goyal is also a regular at Concepts NYC ( 99 University Pl., 212.244.1033 ), a trendy streetwear boutique that has turned him into a bona fide sneaker head and keeps him looking cool, even now that he’s a busy working dad. PHOTO: ADAM CALAITZISGETTY Editor’s Note: In 2021 the nonprofit Union Square Partnership unveiled a renovation plan that could transform Union Square into a greener, more accessible, car-free zone, adding micro-parks and increasing public space by 33 percent in the coming years. For more information, visit unionsquarenyc.org .